Do You Need an Endocrinologist?

by Mary J. Shomon

Many people write in asking if they need to see an endocrinologist -- the medical speciality that includes thyroid specialists. There's no clearcut answer as to whether or not you need an endocrinologist. There are times when an endocrinologist is absolutely called for, and there are other times when an endocrinologist is probably not the type of practitioner that will best serve your interests.

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the endocrine system. (The thyroid gland is part of that system, which also includes the neuroendocrine glands of the pancreas, the parathyroids, pituitary gland, ovaries, and the adrenal glands.)

Below you will find some general guidelines whether or not you need an endocrinologist.

When you have the hyperthyroid autoimmune condition known as Graves' Disease, rather than the care of a GP or primary care doctor, you probably should be under the care of an endocrinologist, and not just any endocrinologist, but one who specializes in Graves' Disease treatment.

For thyroid nodule evaluation you really want to make sure that you're in the hands of an expert, so this is a good time to consult with an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid nodules, needle biopsy, and cancer evaluation.

For thyroid cancer, it is highly recommended that you find one of the doctors with expertise in working with this condition.

When it comes to thyroid surgery, you really need to make sure your surgery is performed by an expert thyroid surgeon. Sometimes this is an endocrinologist, sometimes an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist, and in some cases, a cardio-thoracic surgeon.

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis: Where you will not necessarily get much help from an endocrinologist is if you suspect you have hypothyroidism, and have numerous symptoms of the condition, as well as a family history, but test in the "normal range" TSH-wise. Most endocrinologists are not willing to pursue other options including antibodies testing, treatment for TSH levels above 2 that are accompanied by significant hypothyroidism symptoms, detailed T4/T3 testing, and TRH tests, which are outlined here at the site, and in my book to help identify low-level or subtle hypothyroidism. You will need to find one of the growing number of general practitioners and holistic/alternative MDs who focus on diagnosing and treatment hypothyroidism

Unless you have a personal recommendation from someone who has found a very innovative and open-minded endocrinologist, an endocrinologist may not be the best course if after permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism, or after diagnosis and treatment for autoimmune hypothyroidism, you continue to have symptoms that may be related to the thyroid.

More detailed information on endocrinologists, whether you need one or not and how to find the best doctor for you are featured in this online guide.

Interactive Discussion of Thyroid Doctors: For interactive sharing of information and pros/cons of different doctors, the place to go is my interactive Thyroid Top Doctors Bulletin Board, where you can post your requests and input by region of the world, regarding doctors and practitioners you are seeking, or recommend, and see what others think about particular doctors.